In the late 1980s I became interested in global online learning. I joined FredMail, (what later became the Global SchoolNet (GSN) Foundation) as a volunteer system operator and became actively involved in managing global online K12 learning projects. This led to a position on their board of directors, which I still hold today.

My school district took note of my involvement with GSN and asked me to design and pilot online K12 “for credit” courses to meet the needs of gifted learners in schools with small numbers of qualifying learners. The success from that experience influenced my decision to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Research with a minor in Educational Technology from Louisiana State University. I wanted to share with teacher candidates and practitioners what I learned from decades of experience in designing online learning projects and courses for K12 learners.

After earning my doctorate from LSU, I was hired to design and teach the first online methods courses for McNeese State University’s Education Department. As a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence Mathematics, I synthesized what I knew about math instruction and online course design and management into the design of both EDUC 334 and EDUC 335: Mathematics Methods for Elementary Majors.

A McNeese colleague recommended me to Lesley University to design and pilot the first course of the four online certification courses. Working as a team with the STEM administration, I took their ideas and developed ECOMP 6201: Online Teaching: An Introduction for K12 Learners. I continue to serve as the Course Mentor and enjoy teaching the course as well as my association with Lesley University.

Although I find my work in designing and piloting online courses to be fulfilling, I still wanted to use the “other half” of my doctorate which is in Educational Leadership and Research. I was hired by Capella University to teach doctoral research and became a charter member of the Scientific Merit Review team. As an SMR reviewer, I review the research methodology design of dissertation proposals. In addition to those duties, I’m currently teaching ED 8119: Advanced Research Design for Capella to doctoral candidates.

Life is a journey – not a guided tour. By making the most of every teaching opportunity I’ve had -- from a middle school math classroom to doctoral level instruction, I’ve enjoyed a 33+ year career learning and growing and doing what I love. I’m pleased to be a part of the Lesley Community and can’t wait to see what is around the next corner!